August 24, 2025
Dear editor;
I would like to begin by expressing my profound appreciation for the amazingly effective piece of satirical humor offered last week by Mr. Bill Suhayda (“Trump Fought Fraudulent Investigations; Now Brings Peace”). I don’t recall having had in recent times so many hearty chuckles generated from only a single work of literary art. It’s good to know that at least someone can still find a way to insert some levity into these troubled times. Thank you, Bill.
Now moving on to more serious matters, I’m of the view that the Republican members of Congress should be of far greater concern to us than Donald Trump himself. Trump showed us years ago who he is and what he is all about, although we do continue to learn new things about him and his way of thinking (or not). History’s most effective leaders had the wisdom to surround themselves with people whose knowledge and experience allowed them to provide meaningful guidance, but of course Trump doesn’t need guidance. He has informed us on multiple occasions that he alone can solve whatever ailments may be plaguing our country, or even the rest of the world.
Those with a calendar girl appearance are far more likely to capture Trump’s attention than anyone with relevant expertise, and with Trump’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services, he made clear that relevant expertise plays no role in this political game he plays. With a Bachelor of Arts in American history and literature, along with a couple law degrees, it is doubtful that RFK, Jr, has ever been exposed to even a basic organic chemistry course. Defining the difference between a ribonucleotide and a ribonucleoside would be beyond him, but yet his position allows him to terminate $500 million in funding of mRNA vaccine research?
Furthermore, the uneducated hocus pocus misinformation that continues to spew from his backside only adds more to an argument against his suitability for the position he holds. His actions and words are dangerous and they pose a very real threat to our future health and that of our global friends and neighbors.
The most disturbing part of all this is that Congress had the opportunity to reject this, as well as other inappropriate appointments and other questionable actions taken by Trump during these first few months of his current term. Republican members of Congress have on numerous occasions chosen to ignore clear evidence of unqualified appointees.
They have relinquished their authority to determine how our tax dollars are spent. They have ignored the needs and wishes of their own constituencies while at the same time kowtowing to the demands of an out-of-control narcissist. Their behavior can only be explained on the basis of their assuming that they will never have to face another legitimate and meaningful election in the future. As long as Trump remains the all-powerful king of the country, they will be secure.
But now that current polling is clearly suggesting that we, the American people, are reaching the limit of our tolerance for their misguided acceptance of the king’s actions, they are beginning to realize the jeopardy of their assumption. As we move closer to mid-term elections of 2026, I suspect we will see more unconventional trickery (like mid-cycle redistricting?) being attempted by this administration to maintain its power. As a people, we must remain vigilant and do whatever is necessary to make sure that those elections take place and that they will be free and fair for all who are qualified to vote. For better or worse, the only non-violent way, to escape our current chaos is through an enlightened Congress, and that will require that we work diligently in support of those candidates who still believe in our democracy while ridding our government of those who don’t.
Vincent Smith, Big Rock